Lieberman Eyes New Election Without Netanyahu, Pushing "Accused Law"
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, announced his intention to pursue new elections and pass the "Accused Law" to prevent Benjamin Netanyahu from serving as prime minister. Lieberman rejected the idea of a minority government, advocating for a "Zionist majority government" and ruling out coalitions with Arab parties. He also accused Gadi Eisenkot of seeking to negotiate with Netanyahu after the election, a move Lieberman believes contradicts bloc agreements and personal ambition. Lieberman expressed confidence in his party's principles and the "serving bloc" to win the upcoming election on October 27th.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avigdor Lieberman plans to pursue new elections and pass the "Accused Law" to disqualify Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Lieberman rejects minority governments and insists on a "Zionist majority government" without Arab party support.
- Lieberman accuses Gadi Eisenkot of aiming to negotiate with Netanyahu after the election.
- The "Accused Law" faces potential legal challenges at the High Court of Justice.
- Lieberman expressed confidence in his party's principles and the "serving bloc" to win the election.
- Yisrael Beiteinu will not sit in a coalition dependent on Arab parties like Ra'am or Hadash-Ta'al.
Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, has indicated his intention to bring about a new election that would prevent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from running. Lieberman stated that immediately after the 26th Knesset is sworn in, his party will move to replace the current Knesset Speaker, Amir Ohana, and elect a new one. Following this, he plans to pass the "Accused Law" in three readings, which would prohibit individuals facing criminal charges from serving as prime minister. This move marks the first time Lieberman has explicitly signaled a desire for repeat elections with the aim of disqualifying Netanyahu.
However, the legal viability of the "Accused Law" is uncertain, as it is seen as personal legislation targeting Netanyahu and may face challenges at the High Court of Justice. The court previously ruled that Netanyahu could serve as prime minister despite an indictment.
Lieberman has consistently opposed the formation of a minority government, including a transitional one, advocating instead for a "Zionist majority government." He believes that the Likud party, without Netanyahu, could be a significant partner, and he claims to know Likud members willing to join a Zionist coalition. Lieberman also reiterated his stance against any coalition dependent on Arab parties like Ra'am or Hadash-Ta'al, citing past statements by MK Ofer Cassif supporting South Africa's case against Israel at the ICJ and MK Yasser Hijrat's ambiguous remarks about Hamas.
Lieberman also criticized Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yesh! party, accusing him of maneuvering to become the largest party in his bloc to negotiate from a position of strength with Netanyahu. He suggested Eisenkot's campaign is aimed at consolidating votes within his own bloc rather than shifting them, contradicting agreements among bloc leaders. Lieberman pointed to statements by Minister Miki Zohar about potential cooperation with Eisenkot, President Herzog's initiative for a Netanyahu-Eisenkot government, and White House briefings as evidence of this alleged alignment. He also expressed concern over Eisenkot's party's positions on conscription and constitutional issues, suggesting they would not fundamentally change the status quo regarding exemptions for yeshiva students.
Lieberman asserted that his party's positions on conscription and a constitution for Israel are consistent principles, not election tactics, recalling Yisrael Beiteinu's refusal to join a coalition in 2019 over the conscription law. He concluded by expressing confidence in the Israeli public and the "serving bloc" to win on October 27th and form a liberal, responsible Zionist government that prioritizes those who serve, work, and bear the burden.
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